Love kicked my ass to the curb this year, and then stomped on it a few times for good measure, and there comes a time when even the most dedicated skeptic/agnostic/quasi-atheist decides it's time to beg for mercy from the goddess who runs that particular show.

Come to me once more, and abate my torment;
Take the bitter care from my mind, and give me
All I long for; Lady, in all my battles
Fight as my comrade.*

This is a digital piece, Art Nouveau style because I just plain love Art Nouveau, and I picked tomatoes as the floral element because A) I thought it was funny and B) the humble tomato was once known as the "love-apple" and considered to be an aphrodisiac, which term of course also derives from "Aphrodite."

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*Translated by Elizabeth Vandiver.

I have to this just because of the anatomy. It makes me so happy because it's so realistic and not completely anorexic like I usually see. That, and, with the day I'm having, this was just perfect to see.

...i have to admit that her right eyebrow bugs me. that said, though, i love her expression, the composition in general (art nouveau-style heart cutouts?!? YES!), and especially the tomatoes (way to go with the "poisonous love-apples" reference!)... the seashell at her breast is also a nice referential touch. and if that wasn't enough, i love the realism in your nudes.

heh. ehm, her face... you know. her nose and all. no offense, but it looks sort of kinda wombatish. Which is not to say it doesn't look good, because your wombats are stunning! it's just funny to see wombat features on a human face ^_^

Tomatoes are also in the Nightshade family, which by an oblique reference to toxic love may be tangentially appropriate (though the worst they usually cause is sore joints, in those who are susceptible, rather than broken hearts). Bet you didn't even realize how subtle you are!

nice to see something new from you . I've read through the comments and there isn't much new to say so I'll just echo the comments of the realistic version of the human form you create and the gentle and natural beauty that results .

oddly enough I probably am more thankful for the poem - for all our change the pain of her plea is very recognizable across the huge wash of history and cultural evolution .

This reminds me of some ancient Greek grafitti that was translated once, left by a guy who apparently had a similar experience and decided that instead of imploring her favor he'd rather beat the everloving tar out of her.

I know how you feel, didn't have a particularily good year myself. B ut it's goo to see that it keeps your creativity flowing.
I love your stuff, especially the art nouveau-inspired pics (my favourite is the first Orc Nouveau ). So keep it up!